Ordinary Grace: Finding God in the Everyday

A chance encounter at a National Park offered an important word to this podcaster in pondering America's 250th.    

Most of us can point to moments when we make choices we do not understand.  This episode speaks to how such moments reveal our humanity and the best response.    

In such of life we are taught to keep looking forward.  In many times, that is the correct approach.  Yet a recent trip reminded this podcaster of what looking ahead all the time can cause us to miss.   

A candid conversation years ago with one raised in an era of segregation and another in the era of apartheid led to a deeplly meaningful bond.  It wouldn't have had that result without God's leading.  

A college classmate had a hard time believing I was a minister.  He wasn't the last person to struggle with seeing a change in the other.  

There are all kinds of things upon which we human build our lives--family or work, sports loyalties or political party.  Jesus reminds us that only one foundation endures.   

It's one of the most difficult conversations, but one of the most essential.  A shared Biblical ancestor reveals why. 

This episode recalls a moment with the podcaster was offended during a worship service. The moment, though, led him to reflect on what Jesus might have meant when he spoke about having a log in ones eye. 

On this Mother's Day, the podcaster shares the memory of the last road trip taken with his mother.  May it inspire you to give thanks anew for the special woman who have shaped your journey.  

A living faith sometimes calls for us to do something that makes us uncomfortable.  This episode reminds us that such a response may well be the very thing Jesus wants us to do. 

Moments of scattering have always been part of the human experience.  This episode reminds us that such dispersion isn't necessarily a bad thing. 

A seminary classmate and a prophet of God demonstrated two very different understanding of the connection between our words and those of God.  

A voice from centuries ago once wrote of a day when everyone is judged with equity.  Clearly, that day has not yet come. 

This episode celebrates the discovery of faith.  May it be so for you, too. 

As we begin Holy Week, this episode reminds us of a moment when Jesus felt abandoned and alone.  We know that feeling, too.   

The world is filled with opportunities to stray from our key values.  This episode reminds us of how choosing integrity is always worth the effort. 

In a world with all kinds of problems we can despair that there is nothing we can do.  This week's episode encourages the listener to start small. 

We live in a world filled to overflowing with words.  This week's podcast reminds us there times when we are silent that can be a gift. 

Being tricked by others is never a fun experience.  Still, a Biblical account and a moment of embarrassment for a college student remind us of how such times are still an opportunity for growth. 

The Revelation of John describes a future day when God is our neighbor.  One doesn't have to look far to realize that day has not yet come.   

A preacher waits for his turn at a carwash. A truck owner takes a long time to clean his vehicle. Guess which one modeled fruits of the Spirit.

A request for bread at midnight.  Help for a lost traveler.  This episode suggests a connection between the two.  

Sadly, there are far too many examples in our world where unity is missing.  This episode celebrates a moment when such a gift shone through beautifully. 

Jesus modeled and taught the wisdom of choosing humility.  It's still the better way.   

For many of us, there are moments when it feels impossible for God to bring about the change we desire.  Perhaps even the idea causes us to laugh.  It's in such times that God has been known to act.